Deep Purple At Work on New Album

Only a year after the release of 2013's 'Now What?!,' Deep Purple are already back to work. According to lead singer Ian Gillan, the band is currently in Portugal laying down tracks for their next album.

“We have a studio in the Algarve where we're working on new songs," Gillan told Rocksquare. "In the evening we take a sip of good red wine and enjoy the tranquility. I'm woken up at dawn by a rooster in the neighborhood and I get up when it gets light. When it gets dark in the evening, I go to bed. It's a no-frills life; but it's a good life down here."

In terms of musical direction, Gillan didn't speculate on what the group's next album might hold for fans but reiterated that the band will be embarking on another tour in support of the album.

"I can't imagine not being on stage," he continued. "The interaction with the audience, and even more important for me, with the musicians -- that's pure magic. With a Deep Purple concert you never know exactly what will happen. I don't want to miss those feelings."

A couple of weeks ago, Gillan responded rather bluntly to those who dared suggest the group is past their prime or too old to rock. “We have been called old rockers, rock pensioners and dinosaurs,” he said. “I mean, I have a thick skin I understand that, of course, if the young ones say: ‘Step aside, Grandpa! Die at last!’ I think to myself then stop: ‘F— you.’”